My wife and I have recently decided to get into shooting. We've been talking about it for 10+ years, but have been deterred by NY states permit laws, but have finally decided to take the plunge.
One of the strangest parts of the very byzantine NY (Westchester specifically) is that you are required to buy a gun before your permit application, which then sits with the dealer until your permit is approved. Since it will be paid for up-front and sit with the dealer for 6+ months I wanted something relatively inexpensive, so I've decided to go with a Ruger MkIII .22 after reading these and other forums for a couple of months, both for cost and ease of use/fun aspects.
Once we get our permit I intend to immediately add a 9mm and a revolver, probably .357 so I can shoot .38 at the range.
I've read lots of forum posts, online reviews, watched numerous Youtube reviews and have come to the following conclusions.
Currently the 9mm I've narrowed down to (in approximate order):
Glock 17, Sig P226, HK P30, Walther P99.
For the revolver, I'm down to:
S&W 627, S&W Model 60 and though not .357, I really like the S&W 629, especially in the Pro line, although its pretty pricey.
Opinions? Suggestions?
We are not experienced shooters, gun use will be primarily target/sport, but HD as well.
Price is not a major consideration, but it still is one. That's why I'm thinking the HK and the S&W 629 might be good 2nd 9mm/revolvers after we're more experienced, before spending up. I'm also aware that a gun that I like (I'm 6'3, big guy) may not be right for my wife. Unfortunately there are very few places in NY to go try pistols in your hand (in fact its illegal without a permit). We might take a trip to PA and try to hold some there.
We also intend to get a shotgun, but I'll post that in the shotgun forum.
One of the strangest parts of the very byzantine NY (Westchester specifically) is that you are required to buy a gun before your permit application, which then sits with the dealer until your permit is approved. Since it will be paid for up-front and sit with the dealer for 6+ months I wanted something relatively inexpensive, so I've decided to go with a Ruger MkIII .22 after reading these and other forums for a couple of months, both for cost and ease of use/fun aspects.
Once we get our permit I intend to immediately add a 9mm and a revolver, probably .357 so I can shoot .38 at the range.
I've read lots of forum posts, online reviews, watched numerous Youtube reviews and have come to the following conclusions.
Currently the 9mm I've narrowed down to (in approximate order):
Glock 17, Sig P226, HK P30, Walther P99.
For the revolver, I'm down to:
S&W 627, S&W Model 60 and though not .357, I really like the S&W 629, especially in the Pro line, although its pretty pricey.
Opinions? Suggestions?
We are not experienced shooters, gun use will be primarily target/sport, but HD as well.
Price is not a major consideration, but it still is one. That's why I'm thinking the HK and the S&W 629 might be good 2nd 9mm/revolvers after we're more experienced, before spending up. I'm also aware that a gun that I like (I'm 6'3, big guy) may not be right for my wife. Unfortunately there are very few places in NY to go try pistols in your hand (in fact its illegal without a permit). We might take a trip to PA and try to hold some there.
We also intend to get a shotgun, but I'll post that in the shotgun forum.